TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — When Providence Baptist Church pastor Walter McDonald received a phone call on Thursday that his church was on fire, he could hardly believe it but reminded himself that god always has a plan.
"It's going to make us stronger and it's going to increase our faith and hopefully it will make us love one another more and serve him fervently," said McDonald.
The fire happened the same night police say Mia Williams walked in a taco bell in Tallahassee and set an employee on fire.
While police have not connected the two, Pastor McDonald says Williams attended the church a couple of times in the past.
"I think he has done it. He's over in jail now... I don't think that's going to help him. He has a lot of psychological and mental issues that going to require more than what he's going to get there," said McDonald.
The church will have to be torn down and rebuilt.
Despite the damage, Pastor McDonald says he's focused on forgiveness.
"My heart is In forgiveness so much so, I've been thinking about going over to visit him in jail," said McDonald.
During a tent service Sunday morning, a message from his heart inspired church members to be a light in the community.
"It was imperative that we had our church service today. We had to let the community know that we are still here," said Dairlene Clemons.
The church has plans to rebuild.
They are in the process of working their insurance company on next steps.
